Circle of Excellence: Christopher Cooper
Christopher Cooper has been involved in several “firsts” with Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), so it’s no surprise that he’s among the early inductees into EPI’s Circle of Excellence, established in 2024. For starters, Christopher co-authored EPI’s first-ever State of Owner Readiness Survey in 2013. He also co-founded the organization’s first regional chapter, the EPI Northeast Ohio chapter. And he’s been an innovative voice for Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) well before they gained traction as an exit option.
“Any opportunity to be among the first is valuable in itself,” says Christopher, Director of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University, “but, more importantly, all of these initiatives have been gratifying because they contribute to understanding the needs and desires of business owners, which is invaluable in the exit planning field.”
Christopher, who has been involved in exit planning for 25 years, is honored to be inducted into the Circle of Excellence.
“It’s a fantastic privilege to be included in this group. I’ve known many of the inductees for a long time. I was taught by Peter and Rich,” he says. “For me, being involved in EPI has always come down to the people—those I’ve learned from, collaborated with, and been challenged by.”
From Graphic Design to Exit Planning
Christopher’s path to exit planning wasn’t planned, but it’s become a lifelong pursuit.
“I didn’t start out thinking I’d build a career out of exit planning, but it’s become my purpose as I’ve worked with owners and trained employee-owners on what they need to succeed,” he shares.
Christopher started at the Ohio Employee Ownership Center as a graphic designer. What kept him at the center, and evolving his own skill set, was the pride he felt in helping small business owners and assisting them in exiting, a process that differed from what Christopher had experienced in his own family.
“My dad was a small business owner, and, unfortunately, he didn’t plan for his exit in a meaningful way,” he shares. “He was negatively impacted by a lack of preparedness, and the more I worked at the Center, the more I wanted to help others avoid that.”
The Rise of ESOPs
Now, it’s more than an avoidance strategy; it’s a personal mission.
“I get excited talking about exit planning. I view it as the last great test of entrepreneurship,” Christopher says. “Owners have put in so much work, effort, and dedication to business, and they want to exit well. It’s their final mark on a business.”
Christopher believes that, for many, a succession plan or exit strategy, and the legacy of a business, is well-suited for an ESOP. Today, he says, there are about 6,500 ESOPs in the U.S., a number he expects to grow.
“Businesses have a tremendous impact on community development, and small to medium-sized businesses are at the heart of the country’s economy,” Christopher shares. “If an owner doesn’t have a family to transfer the business to, considering an ESOP for the people who have poured themselves into the business’s success is a viable option.”
He carries the employee ownership banner whenever possible, calling it his “biggest thrill, even today” when he witnesses employee-owners realizing the fruits of their work.
At the Center, Christopher teaches employees how to become employee-owners. They offer several educational tools and training to equip them. Ultimately, the goal is to make ESOP an option that more people will consider.
A Holistic Approach for Today's Business Owners
Christopher has witnessed numerous changes since he started working in exit planning. Not only has the EPI community greatly expanded, including professional advisors of different types today, but so has the role of the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®).
“Initially, our role was more transactional, but today, it’s much more holistic as we help owners achieve multiple goals, not only their financial well-being but also goals around personal, business, and emotional health, too,” he says.
To be successful, Christopher encourages CEPAs to get involved with a local chapter, surround themselves with talented people, ask lots of questions, and meet owners where they’re at.
“Just like anything else, you get out what you put in,” says Christopher. “When you put forth these things, it will be a better experience for advisors and owners alike.”
With a passion for helping others navigate the complexities of owner transition, Christopher is a vital force, inspiring a new generation of advisors and owners to embrace a thoughtful approach that cultivates lasting connections and ensures the future success of business owners and their legacies.
About the Circle of Excellence
The Circle of Excellence is an annual recognition that honors the individuals who have established the exit planning profession. It aims to acknowledge those who have built a community and the body of knowledge that we all rely on to advise business owners.
This year, we will induct five new members at the 2025 Exit Planning Summit. Throughout the year, we will feature each of them in a blog series to celebrate their contributions to the exit planning profession.
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